Hollywood residents upset after cars were towed before Oscars – NBC Los Angeles

Dozens of drivers in Hollywood had a frustrating and expensive weekend as their cars were towed on Oscars Sunday.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation said it had posted signs two days in advance, telling drivers that they couldn’t park on certain streets. But neighbors insist they did not see such signs.

NBC Los Angeles’ team drove around the residential streets in Hollywood half a mile away from the Dolby Theater. The “no parking” signs were still visible on Wilcox Avenue Monday afternoon. But on Yucca Street, the signs were not posted.

Those who had their cars towed in Hollywood said it’s unfair to tow cars from hardworking people in Hollywood, ahead of an event that catered to the rich and famous.

Edwin Irizarry, a Hollywood resident, picked up his Prius from a parking garage Monday after paying $409. He said his car was towed at Hollywood and Vine Sunday before the Oscars.

“(Sunday) at 2 O’Clock in the afternoon, they towed my car, for no reason,” Irizarry said. “There were no signs, there were no temporary parking, there was nothing,”

Irizarry, who said he’s retired and disabled, will feel the financial impact of the $400 towing fee.

“I just think it’s a disgrace to the community. To the people who live here and support this town. This should not happen,” he said.

Those who live on Wilcox Avenue said they saw towing trucks at 8 a.m. Sunday.

“I walk outside, and I see one car getting towed there and another getting towed there, two more down that street, and six more getting towed down that way,” said Theo Lannom who lives in Hollywood.

The neighbors said it’s unfair that the working class people of Hollywood had to pay the price for an extravagant event for movie stars and celebrities.

“Honestly, I find it disappointing that this event that caters so much to the wealthy in an industry that has so much money,” Gene Olson of Hollywood complained. “When they hold this event, they tow the people who live in Hollywood, which this is not a high-rent neighborhood.”

Lannom also said his neighbors are hardworking people who are trying to make ends meet.

“Most of the people I know who live here work full time, probably over time, multiple jobs. To charge them $400 in the name of the Oscars, it’s kind of messed up,” Lannom said.

In response to the uproar, the city of Los Angeles responded by saying, “For the 2026 Academy Awards, LADOT posted signs to restrict parking on certain days to facilitate both event setup and for the awards ceremony.”

City officials said drivers can request a hearing and dispute their two if they believe that it should not have happened.